Vignettes of Poughkeepsie: Raymond Avenue Traffic Circle, Tuesday, September 13, 2016, 5:30 p.m.
Poughkeepsie is unknown to some, but home to many. Through its diversity, education, and historical landmarks, Poughkeepsie has been made memorable to anyone that passes by. Around 5:30 p.m. at the corner of Fulton Street and Raymond Avenue the traffic circle was full of activity. Cars were continuous and almost rhythmic as they drove through. Although extremely crowded, it was calmingly quiet. No car horns, yelling or screeching brakes.
The traffic circle is located next to Vassar College yet the majority of people walking and driving through, were of age. Walkers, bikers, and motorcyclists added to the traffic. Even two men passed riding recumbent bikes. Bikes that are low to the ground and can be referred to as “sit down bikes”.
With many shops and eating joints located on Raymond Avenue, it brought a variety of customers at such a busy time of day. On the street are businesses like: Burger-Fi, Juliet, Gladmore Cleaners, Intro Food Concepts, Tattoo Voodoo, The Dollar Yard, My Market, and more. Each of these shops displayed a different tone while all contributing to the overall mood surrounding the Raymond Avenue traffic circle. The variety of interests accommodated in this area can be enticing to residents and tourists and could be considered a must see area in Poughkeepsie.
With different people walking the streets. Some delivered packages and others were getting food but there was one man in particular, Cresencio Casteellnos that caught my attention. He had been living in Poughkeepsie on Fulton Street for over 25 years. He was walking his dog on an area of green across from Vassar College. Casteellnos did landscaping and construction for a living and loved to walk his dog. I asked why he came to this area specifically every day. “Because he likes it.” Said Casteellnos in reference to his dog. His peaceful yet friendly demeanor was both engaging and inspiring. He portrayed this area of Poughkeepsie just as it seemed to be from my one-hour observation.
